Thank you to the publisher for the free advanced copy! After spending a bit of time with Presley, the main character, I decided to DNF this book at the 25% mark. I think the writing is excellent, and the story is intriguing, but I have found myself less drawn to younger characters and coming-of-age stories recently, so I decided to skip this one. But I think it's a great, funny one if you want something in that realm!

Thank you Celadon for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. I LOVED Cat Shook's first book, and this one did not let me down. The characters were interesting, and I wasn't sure where everything was headed, which kept me engaged. References to "me too" and to late night television comedy made the storyline timely, but I especially loved the friendships that supported the story. Enjoyable read!

For readers who love coming-of-age novels, comedy, and stories with female friendships.

Certain parts of this book got on my nerves a little bit and I think that's been a current theme for me lately. When I'm reading a book and the MC starts out being more negative but as you continue to read the book they don't grow at all and stay just as negative, just ugh. The story was interesting enough that kept me reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I love a book that makes me feel and this one made me feel so many emotions. I was a bit comedy, but death with grief and romance as well.

I loved our main Presley. She's dealing with grief of losing her mother. But also working hard trying to pave her way in her career. She has a small but interesting group of friends.

This one took me on an emotional roller coaster!

Thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books and MacMillan Audio for eARC and ALC copies.

This was a true pick up and can't put down story. The story of Presley Fry, an assistant on a late-night talk show, navigating her life in Manhattan, felt so real and relatable. From the laughter to the tears, every moment was beautifully crafted.

What I loved most was how Shook blended humor with heartfelt moments, making me feel deeply connected to the characters. Presley’s journey through personal loss and unexpected romance was both touching and inspiring. It’s not just a rom-com; it’s a profound exploration of friendship, identity, and the complexities of modern life.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud and tug at your heartstrings, Humor Me is a must-read. It’s unique, engaging, and left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Highly recommended!

I didn’t love this book but I didn’t hate this book either. Humor Me by Cat Shook had a little bit of everything going on throughout the story. It had romance, grief, and comedy. The FMC Presley Fry is just a girl who is making minimum wage at a comedy show being an assistant. She was working very hard to move up the chain in the comedy scene and her career. This was a story of bizzare friendships and how they can drastically change and develop in a short period of time. Presley had a roommate name Izzy and Izzy’s mom has passed away and Izzy ran into her mom’s friend Susan and it brought some tough emotions for her. This was a cute read so if you are looking for a book that has a bit of everything this is for you.

3.5 rounded up to 4. This is an entertaining, "almost" realistic story with some uneven writing and not quite complete plot lines. Having a 20-something kid who lives in NYC, performs and films comedy/stand-up in a lot of venues, who also interned at three of the late night shows....this book gets a lot right about those worlds. You can feel the author's (and MC's) love for New York and she expertly conveys the experience, both positive and negative, of living there in your twenties, figuring out who you are. My only real issues revolve around the occasional slowdown in pace and the inconsistency of the writing (amazing one page and trite and "young" the next), as well as some lapses in rounding out the relationships.

I fully believe the friendship between Presley and her roommate, and even her experiences with her co-worker (and love interest). I initially thought Susan was an odd connection, but I came to see her role, particularly as a portal to her mom as a younger woman (she didn't seem to be an alternative mother figure for me). Presley's ability to begin to work through her grief to more fully connect to others in her life picks up in the second half of the story with the more consistent presence of a genuine romantic interest. There are some interactions in the latter part of the book that feel very authentic to me, particularly for people in their twenties. My one big gripe was that the ending didn't really feel like one...maybe it needed another few chapters? Or an epilogue?

Overall, this is an easy read that tackles some big themes, perfect for the Summer. NOTE: There is a #metoo storyline if that is something you are concerned about.

I received a digital copy from Netgalley & Celadon Booked in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

Such a good read that I enjoyed! I'm so glad that I got the chance to read it early and will definitely be recommending it to multiple people who enjoy these types of novels. I enjoyed the characters and especially enjoyed the writing by this author. I'm excited to see what the author comes out with next as I'll definitely be reading it! Thank you to the publisher for my early copy of this book!

4.5 stars
Twenty-five-year-old Presley Fry is an assistant on a late-night talk show. When she’s not at work, she’s scouting stand-up comedy talent for the show—which is something she enjoys. If she can find some talent, she’ll get a promotion and at some point possibly make a livable wage.

Presley has a crush on her coworker, who may or may not have a girlfriend. Going on Tinder dates and out to comedy shows helps distract her from the death of her mother. She’s grieving the death but also her mother’s life. Her mother’s alcoholism made for a frustrating relationship. She bumps into her mother’s friend from the small southern town they grew up in. Susan is the wealthy wife of the head of the network Presley works for. He has recently been disgraced for having an affair with a coworker and for flirting with women in a manner that men should no longer be getting away with. Together, their odd friendship help them both deal with the death of Patty and the challenges in their own romantic relationships.

There’s a lot of humor in this. I’m trying to imagine if I were 25-year-old and going through all this stuff—powerful men finally being at least partially called on their actions—things like that. Presley is a very sensitive character is what I’m saying.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this novel.

Presley Fry is on her mid-twenties. She has a job in television, working the comedy corner on a late night show. She fled to New York City after her mother, an alcoholic, died. Today, however, was to be her lucky day because the woman half of the couple that git her the job ran into her outside a fancy donut shop. That Susan Clark was a friend of her mother when they were young themselves doesn't really impress itself on Presley until after she accepts a dinner invitation.
This is a charming romance with very little spice. It pretty much covers a year in Presley's life. She's up for a promotion if she can find a good stand-up comedian for the show. She's the assistant to the show guest coordinator. She's single and lives with her best friend Isabelle. A little more money would be nice, so Presley works hard.
Susan has a son, Clark, around Presley's age. Of course she thinks they would make a lovely couple. But this is Presley's story, and she's happy to be single.
I liked the story. Ir was mot the foregone conclusion that Presley and Clark would be a couple. It was likely, but not until late in the book. I think you may find this a perfect summer evening book.
I want to thank the publisher who gave me this book through Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #CeladonBooks for the book #HumorMe by #Catshook. Thai is a cute story about finding yourself and love. Presley works at a Late night show looking for new comedians. She is still having a hard time after her mother’s death. She finds herself connecting to her mother’s best friend and is soon introduced to her son Lawrence. Is there a connection between Lawrence and Presley?

I like how this novel is described as a love letter to the New York City stand-up scene.

Presley Fry is not amused. She’s been an assistant at the Late Night Show for way too long, she’s adopted a “business casual” approach to dating to save herself from the embarrassment of seeking genuine connection, and she’s content to allow her gregarious roommate, Isabelle, to orchestrate her entire social life. And yet, Presley is absolutely enamored with her job and the world of stand-up comedy. The joy she finds in discovering up-and-coming comedians, the beauty and connection in their shared humor―it’s enough for now.

Enter Susan Clark, the childhood best friend of Presley’s late mother, whose death still knocks the wind out of Presley whenever she reaches for the phone. Susan is married to the head of the network where Presley works, and she is determined to take Presley under her wing and ease her way through life in the big city. She’s also determined to connect Presley with her son, the bright and affable Lawrence, who couldn’t be further from Presley’s type.

As Presley grapples with the loss of her mother and finds her people among those who seek out comedy to make the world a bit brighter, Humor Me reminds us that friendship can emerge from where you least expect it and that shared laughter can ease some of the deepest pain.

My review is solely based on the summary. It sounds like a fun novel with some ups and down (depth).

I appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you @celadonbooks for our gifted copies.

Presley is working at a late night tv show as an assistant who scouts for the 5 minute stand up spot on Fridays. She also has an office crush on Adam who sometimes flirts back. She’s in her 20s, living in the East Village on not enough money and is roommates with her best friend, Isabelle. Both women are looking for love and Presley is also still grieving the loss of her alcoholic mother, Patty.

One day, Presley runs into an old friend of her mother’s, Susan. They exchange hellos and a very tight hug from Susan. She is looking for a friend and finds one in Presley. Soon they are doing things together, going to lunch, shopping and going to karaoke. They are close despite their age difference. Susan also keeps trying to get Presley to hang out with her son, Clark.

I loved Presley and Susan’s unexpected friendship. Both women are going through things and gravitate toward each other, Presley is missing that mother figure in her life despite her mother not even being a very good mother. Susan is craving that feeling of being needed and nurturing someone. Isabelle was also a massive part of Presley’s life. They had a wonderful friendship that was really more like sisters.

I really liked that this book understood what it’s like to be in your 20s in NYC. Going to random happy hours on work nights and coming home too late, work crushes that don’t go anywhere, lots of take out and new experiences. My favorite part of the book was her relationship with Adam. He was definitely bad news, but I could so relate being so into someone and he didn’t reciprocate. He just loved the attention Presley gave him. I also loved Presley’s job and would love to watch that much standup.

Humor Me
Presley Fry is going through a lot. She is an assistant for The Late Night Show and dealing with the grief of recently losing her mom. Presley tries to find the humor in her relationships- with her best friend, her mom’s friend from her hometown, her coworkers, and of course- with boys.

This was such a healing journey to read and by the end of the book Presley truly grew so much. Grief is such a hard thing to go through, especially when you feel alone, and so I really felt for Presley. I loved seeing Presley grow and open up, and with that see her relationships and the way she approaches them, change. Also, I just love Clark and his role in this book, that’s all.

There wasn’t a huge a plot to this book, it was more about self growth, but I really enjoyed reading this. It was a good read and different from the fast paced fantasy books I’ve been reading.

Definitely check this out! And thank you to Celadon Books and Cat Shook for this eARC.

This was a witty and charming read filled with heartfelt emotion. It was a story about grief, friendship and self-discovery. I loved the author’s sharp dialogue and the relatable characters. The plot was predictable but thoroughly entertaining. It was a fun escape!

Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and the author for an eARC.

This book was not what I expected, idk what made me choose to want to read it but I am so glad I did.
I cannot stop smiling like a fool after reading it. I wish it was longer. Author did an amazing job focusing on different themes throughout the book. Which made it exciting, and leaves you with a feeling of fulfilment yet emptiness. I WANT 10 MORE BOOKS ON PRESLEY AND CLARK RN. This is the second time I’ve read a book this year where I have judged and felt unsatisfied with the male mc but only to fall in love with them both times. It is such a good book please read it.

https://booksformind.com/july-2024-book-reviews/

Here's my review:

I can't say I didn't enjoy this book, but I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. It took me forever to get through it, and I found myself throughout a few evenings feeling like reading it was a chore. Don't get me wrong, it's an okay read, but one that I'll probably forget by the time this review is up. I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy, but it wasn't a hit for me. I'll leave it at that, as you might like it more than I did. At least, I hope so!

A total blast and perfect for when you need a good laugh. The story follows Jamie, who gets caught up in a bunch of funny and awkward situations as she tries to figure out life. Shook’s sense of humor really shines through, making Jamie’s adventures both hilarious and relatable.

The book is a great mix of comedy and heartfelt moments. While it’s packed with laughs, it also touches on friendship and figuring out who you are. With its quirky characters and sharp humor, *Humor Me* is a fun and entertaining read that’ll keep you smiling from start to finish.

I'm not good at jokes. And I don't enjoy jokesters or comedians much. (= I'm opposite to my husband, who never forgets one.) So I didn't find the humor in this novel.

However, the conversations between girlfriends and others, the interactions at work and beyond, and the possibilities that others see and hope for us hooked me.

The coarse language? I think it would have been just as effective without it. The amoral lifestyle? I couldn't cheer for the characters much of the time. But could life happen this way? It probably does in some settings.

Read it at your peril and for your own amusement?

A love letter to New York City and Nora Ephron romcoms (two of my favorite things!), HUMOR ME is a total joy to read. Set in 2017-18 NYC, the story follows 25-year-old Presley Fry, who has a lot on her plate. She's struggling to move up the corporate ladder as an assistant at the Late Night Show, dealing with an all-consuming secret crush on her coworker Adam, and grieving her mother's death. Enter Susan, her late mom's childhood best friend, who is determined to become a friend to Presley, too. Under the glitzy veneer of lavish lunches and glamorous shopping trips, an unlikely bond develops between Presley and Susan—and between Presley and Susan's charming son, Lawrence. Can Presley open her heart to happiness, love, and belonging in the big city?

I so enjoyed this one! The romance that develops later in the story was so sweet, but where this book really shines, in my opinion, is in its depiction of strong friendships between women. It was wonderful to watch Presley and Susan develop such a close relationship, and truly root for and support each other. I also adored Presley's friendship with her best friend, Izzy, who was such a fun character to read about! Presley's narration was also a blast to follow overall—sharp and witty from start to finish. I was honestly a little unsure of her character initially—she seemed like she'd be a "not-like-other-girls" type, which is not a fave for me. However, I think Cat Shook does such a great job of developing Presley's character and showing her vulnerable, softer side underneath the humor and snark. I particularly enjoyed seeing how passionate she is about her job and stand-up comedy, how fiercely loyal she is to the people she cares about, and how she secretly wants to connect and let people in, which I think so many readers will be able to relate to. Presley's growth is so well-done that even if you don't click with her character at the start of the story, you will definitely be rooting for her by the end! While it might be a little cliche in book reviews to say that a story embodies "equal parts humor and heart," I could truly think of no better way to describe HUMOR ME. Don't hesitate to check it out this summer! I look forward to seeing what Cat Shook writes next. Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the ARC.